Client story
Client's Story
Where they started
Andrey and his wife came with what they believed was a ready-made plan: purchase an apartment in Budapest, register it in their personal ownership, and obtain residence permit in return. The plan seemed logical—in many countries real estate does indeed grant status—but it had no bearing on the Hungarian investor program.
Why the standard route did not work
Herein lies a common and costly misconception. The Hungarian guest investor residence permit is not issued for direct purchase of residential property in personal ownership. A different structure qualifies: investment in shares of a regulated real estate fund. The investor purchases not an apartment in their own name, but fund shares that are professionally invested in real estate.
What BRIDGES had to solve
The option of direct property purchase for status was once announced, but its launch was postponed and it is effectively not in operation. By purchasing an apartment in personal ownership with the expectation of obtaining residence permit, the couple would have spent a substantial sum and received no status—the worst possible outcome.
Why a standard answer would not do
Andrey contacted BRIDGES, and the first priority was not to select an apartment, but to dispel the misconception and demonstrate the only functioning route—through a regulated fund.
I was certain: I purchase an apartment in Budapest in my own name—I receive a residence permit. Igor immediately stopped me: there is no such option in the program; you do not register the apartment in your name; status is granted by investment in shares of a regulated real estate fund. He explained the mechanics, selected and verified the fund. As a result, I invested correctly and obtained a 10-year residence permit—rather than throwing money away on an apartment that does not grant status.
